Justice Minister vows tougher anti-drug measures in Phuket’s Sea Gypsy Village
Authorities focus on long-term strategies to tackle drugs, flooding, and youth vulnerability
Justice Minister Police Colonel Thawee Sodsong has pledged stronger action to tackle persistent drug problems in the Sea Gypsy Village in Rawai, Phuket, while also addressing broader community challenges such as land disputes, flooding, and youth vulnerability.
Pol. Col. Thawee visited the village on September 13, joined by officials from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, Corrections Department, Phuket ISOC, Chalong Police, Rawai Municipality, and other agencies. The visit aimed to assess current prevention and suppression efforts and to hear directly from locals and community leaders.
Despite ongoing enforcement and numerous arrests, Thawee admitted that the drug issue remains unresolved. He stressed the need for a holistic approach involving treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, and law enforcement.
He highlighted the importance of empowering vulnerable groups, especially youth, through education, career opportunities, and community programmes.
Phuket News reported that Rawai’s Sea Gypsy Village, known for its strong cultural identity, faces a range of socio-economic issues, land disputes, unstable income, and limited opportunities, which increase the risk of youth turning to drugs, some as young as 12 or 13 years old.
To support local development, Thawee proposed deploying well-behaved inmates from the Corrections Department to assist with community projects. He also called on relevant agencies to work closely with local leaders to build long-term resilience and reduce reliance on suppression alone.
Data from February to September reveals the extent of Phuket’s drug problem. In Mueang district, police made 29 drug arrests, seizing 1,747 meth pills and 20.74 grammes of crystal meth. In areas under the Chalong Police’s jurisdiction, 31 arrests were made, with 1,701 meth pills and 114.28 grammes of crystal meth confiscated.
Local leaders, including village security officer Panwong Hiranchai, said long-term solutions must focus on sustainable development and align with the community’s cultural roots and tourism economy.
Thawee concluded by affirming his commitment to making the Sea Gypsy Village a drug-free community, calling for government agencies to go beyond enforcement and support residents’ overall well-being.
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